Tips

Bring your own bag

I started weaning myself off plastic bags at the supermarket by opting for paper bags, reasoning paper can be recycled, takes less time to degrade, etc., but in addition to felling trees the process of creating paper is not exactly eco friendly.

I'm making an effort now to use tote bags, so I'm not even bringing home the paper or plastic ones.

They're talking about charging people extra who don't bring bags to grocery stores (this is a Mayor Bloomberg idea for NYC) and I have to say I'm in favor of this. It's been proven that this is perhaps the best incentive.

This is a great idea and every little bit counts! I have started purchasing the tote bags that all of the grocery stores are now selling and keep them in my trunk. Whole Foods even gives you 10 cents back on every bag you bring in and use - small, but a nice gesture. I have also made a habit of not taking bags from other stores when possible, i.e., the bookstore - I just carry the books out or the drug store or makeup counter - drop the items in my huge purse if I can fit them in...so now I can justify my big purses ;)

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